A young Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Umeh, has shared vivid experiences of secondary school life, in her latest book, titled Ijanikin, My Journey to College.
The author, who began writing at the age of 13, with the debut of her first book “The Twins of Ihazi”, says she desires to become the next legendary writer like Chimamanda Adichie.
She, describes the book “Ijanikin”, as being a blend of autobiography and fictionz adding that it reflects her personal experiences of studying at the Federal Government College Ijanikin , Lagos.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday, the young author said that she chosed to focus her literary work on her journey to college, because it was adventurous .
“Most of the events featured in my book, are real life experiences, while others are imaginary elements of literature which makes the story richer,” she said
According to her, the most memorable school event as captured in the book, is the harsh realities of life, living in a boarding school.
“An event I will never forget, was when a senior ordered me to go in search of her ‘Arodome’ textbook, which didn’t even exist.
“She had done this to punish me because I mistakenly spilled water on her school uniform in the hostel,” she recounted.
Recalling her daily life in college, she told NAN that she learnt to “flow with the tide,” adding that she also had low moments, during which she felt like giving up.
“Oh yes! I really wanted to run home at some point; in a unity college you meet people from different backgrounds, who do not share your ideals or beliefs.
“Many times I felt broken, but I always got encouragement from my mother, who always said, ‘NEVER GIVE UP.’” she said
The author said that readers of the book Ijanikin, will have a better understanding of the school life of students, especially those commuting in Lagos.
“Every child deserves encouragement to keep going; never underestimate any student, because every child has a potential,” she noted.
According to her, recalling the challenges of her school life could be both hurtful and funny, however, writing a book to tell her story, is ultimately rewarding.
Meanwhile, Umeh spoke on the impact of transportation on education access to school children, and called for better aid for learners.
“Even though I was a boarder, I had friends who were day students; they spent huge sums of money coming to school, and often times, they were absent because they could not afford transport.
“Government could set up an initiative for free transportation of school children to enhance access to school for many students who want to attend distant schools but get discouraged after trekking long hours,” she said
The author, also appealed to policy makers to create an enabling environment so that every Nigerian child can have access basic education.
She, said that the project, which took nearly three years to complete, is her heartfelt call, to support the education and well-being of every Nigerian child.
